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Suzuki Swift now with keyless entry and start

March 8, 2009 at 6:29 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Suzuki

Suzuki Swift
Click for enlarged image

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd have updated their Suzuki Swift for the 2009 model year. The locally assembled Swift retails at RM 73,788.00 OTR with insurance and comes in 5 colours, including Bayside Blue, Silver Grey, Supreme Red and Tranquility Black as well as one new colour – Superior White.

Suzuki has basically added 2 features – a keyless entry and start system, and auto-retractable side mirrors with integrated signal indicators. The keyless entry system allows you to open the door via pressing a button on the door handle, and the keyless engine start is not unlike Latio’s where you turn an ignition knob, not as sexy as a start button but it works. Its primarily to allow you to access and start the car without having to take out the key fob from your pocket or in the case of ladies, your handbag.

The rest of the car should remain largely the same – a 1.5 litre DOHC engine with variable valve timing producing 101hp at 6,000rpm and 133Nm of torque at 4,000rpm mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, good cute but perhaps now dated looks and one of the best handling and fun factor in its class.

Look after the jump for more shots of the Swift.
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Lightly taped up pick-up truck in Segambut

March 8, 2009 at 6:01 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Spyshots

Unknown Truck

Reader T P L sent in these shots of a lightly taped up truck spotted in Segambut. Could it be the new facelifted Ford Ranger, or maybe a Chevy-badged Isuzu Dmax (Chevy Colorado)? These are the only few possibilities, and the side profile definitely rules the Tata Xenon out. What do you think? Check out more shots after the jump.

UPDATE: Reader chaku/maru has identified this as the Great Wall Wingle, a pick-up truck by a Chinese manufacturer. It has an Euro 3-compliant 2.8 litre direct injection turbodiesel engine that puts out a rather sedate 95 horsepower and 225Nm from 1,600rpm that was developed with the help of Bosch.
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Daihatsu Luxio MPV launched in Indonesia

March 8, 2009 at 3:50 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Daihatsu, International News

Daihatsu Luxio

Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd has launched the new Daihatsu Luxio in Indonesia. While the Toyota Passo Sette/Daihatsu Boon Luminas could be considered a baby Wish of sorts, the Luxio is a baby Alphard, and unlike the Passo Sette offers dual sliding rear doors. This vehicle used to go by the “Daihatu Stylo” codename while still under development, but later the Luxio name was picked and finalised.

Under the hood is the often-used 3SZ-VE 1.5 litre DOHC VVT-i cast-iron block engine producing 109 PS at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,400rpm, available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. While offering similiar power outputs to the 1NZ-FE in the Vios, does not have the NZ-series engine’s aluminium block. The Luxio uses a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a 5-link rigid axle at the rear. The body is said to be built on a monocoque chassis. It is 4,165mm long, 1,665mm wide, 1,915mm tall, has 180mm ground clearance and a turning circle of 5.2 meters.

If you feel you’ve seen this before I don’t blame you. It is essentially a Daihatsu Gran Max converted to a more passenger-friendly equipment level and design, squarely targeted to those who prefer sliding doors and cannot afford a real Alphard. That way it can plug the gaps in the product offering of the Boon Luminas.

Astra Daihatsu Motor targets sales of 1,000 units a month at a price tag of between 136 to 165 million rupiah, which is approximately between RM42k to RM51k for 4 spec levels ranging from the D, M, X, and X automatic.

If you were in the market for a Perodua MPV, would you rather they base it on the Passo Sette/Boon Luminas or this new Luxio? Look after the jump for more pix of the Luxio.
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Adrian van Hooydonk on the new E89 BMW Z4 Roadster at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

March 7, 2009 at 12:02 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, BMW, Cars, International News, Videos

E89 BMW Z4 Roadster

The new E89 BMW Z4 Roadster made its European debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. BMW is solidly hammering it into our heads that the new Z4 is a piece of automotive art, and that it definitely is. All those lovely curves are a modern interpretation of the old BMW 507 and alot of Bangle cues have been toned down. The new Z4 also now gets a convertible hard top, replacing the first gen Z4′s cloth top. New BMW Group design director Adrian van Hooydonk talks to BMW Web TV at the Geneva show on the new Z4′s design. It’s quite interesting to hear stuff said from a designer’s perspective actually – apparently designers take delight in clamshell-style bonnets as they can then play around more with the design lines on the bonnet without having to deal with the bonnet shutlines. Look after the jump to catch the video as well as some previously published videos and a hi-res photo gallery.
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More new models from Naza’s Kia and Peugeot distributors this year

March 7, 2009 at 10:44 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Naza, Peugeot

Kia Forte

The Naza Group’s SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin has revealed that Naza Kia, Naza Corporation and Nasim Peugeot will be unveiling a few new models this year, in addition to the CKD Peugeot 308 VTi and 308 Turbo and the CKD facelifted Peugeot 407 already launched this year.

There will be 2 new Naza-badged models, one new Kia-badged model and 3 new Peugeot models launched. The Kia-badged car is very likely to be the new Kia Forte (shown above, gallery after jump), which is said to be launched in Q2 this year. The two Naza-badged models will also be based on Kia models, they could be a new facelifted Naza Suria and an all-new monocoque Naza Sorento, based on the new facelifted Suria and the upcoming Kia XM Sorento.

A report by StarBiz claims 2 of the 3 new Peugeot models to be the Peugeot 3008 and the Peugeot 207. The 207 could be the real 207 or it could also be the 207 Compact (206+), a facelifted 206 with 207 looks, which would be a repalcement for the Naza 206 Bestari. The third model could be the Peugeot 308 CC 4-seater coupe-convertible unveiled recently, which would complete the current 308 VTi, 308 Turbo and 308 GT offerings.

Read the related links below to read our past coverage on all of these cars that are expected to hit our shores by the end of the year.

Related Posts:
Peugeot 3008 Crossover: details and photos
New Peugeot 206+ entry-level car for Europe (207 Compact)
Kia unveils Kia Picanto facelift
New Kia Sorento snapped without disguise
First photos of new Kia Forte sedan
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Geneva 2009: Alpina B7 Biturbo launched

March 7, 2009 at 10:17 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, BMW, Cars

Considered by many as the M7 without the M, the Alpina B7 is set to take BMW’s flagship luxury sedan into a whole new arena. Starting off with a 4.4 litre V8 which is capable of 507HP and 700Nm of torque thanks to its twin turbos (1.0 bar of maximum turbo boost), the B7 can hit the 100 km/h mark in 4.7 seconds and can deliver a top speed of 280 km/h.

The power plant is mated to ZF’s 6 speed automatic transmission which is fitted with Alpina’s Switch-Tronic system that adapts to different driving situations. It has been programmed to shift exceptionally smooth in Automatic mode and it also offers different shift characteristics in the additional Sport and Manual modes.

Suspension wise, the B7 features shorter and uniquely calibrated springs which reduce front and rear ride height by 15 mm and 10 mm respectively, 21″ wheels and conventional tires instead of fun flats, among others. The electronic suspension system with Dynamic Damping Control and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilization) enables the driver to choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. Overall, the suspension is more responsive, but softer than a race suspension.

Design wise, other than 21 inch 20-spoke wheels, it is treated to an Alpina bodykit which gives the 7 Series a wider and lower stance. While getting into the B7, you are welcomed with Alpina’s door sill trims which are finely illuminated in blue, and once you are in, you are treated to a SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel that is gloved and hand-stitched in Lavaline leather, red pointers over a field of blue dials grace the instrument cluster and exclusive luxury wood trim in the form of Myrtle Burl. You can also opt for Alpina’s Piano Lacquer interior trim. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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Geneva 2009: Lamborghini reveals a new “bull”, the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

March 6, 2009 at 11:32 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Lamborghini

Italian-based sports car maker Lamborghini has released the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce at the Geneva Motor Show which is actually a more powerful, and lighter Murcielago. With 670HP and 660Nm of torque produced by its 6.5 litre V12 power plant, and with an overall weight that is 100 kilograms lighter than the Murcielago LP 640, it does not seem difficult for the LP 640-4 SuperVeloce to take the credit.

With certain design cues carried over from the Reventon, this all wheel drive super car with a two-level diffuser and a fixed carbon fiber rear wing looks the part as well. Other features include a lifting system which enables the front end of the car to be raised by 45 mm to ease garage entries, Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes with ABS and more. Read our related previous post for more on the new LP670-4 SV.

Related Posts:
Lamborghini reveals the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

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Geneva 2009: Mercedes Benz releases the SLK 2LOOK Edition

March 6, 2009 at 10:35 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz arrived at the Geneva Motor Show with the SLK 2LOOK Edition which is essentially a regular SLK but with a number of features which sets it apart from a regular version. These include two body colour options such as calcite white or black, headlights with black surrounds, 18 inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with mixed tire sizes (front: 225/40 R18, rear: 245/35 R18) that can ordered with titanium silver or a dark “shadow” finish, discreet emblems bearing the 2LOOK Edition logo on the wings and a drought-stop of transparent acrylic glass.

Over on the inside, the 2LOOK Edition features sports seats finished with nappa leather with seat centre panels in white and the contoured bolsters in black, contrasting black-and-white scheme on the doors and centre armrest, carefully finished decorative seams on all leather surfaces, white-painted trim in the black dashboard, black roof lining as well as white-edged floor mats with an embroidered Edition label.

Potential owners can place their orders now, with a number of engine choices including the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, SLK 300 and SLK 350 Sports Engine. Price wise, the 2LOOK Edition demands an extra 2,100 Euros over the standard SLK. Potential buyers can also request for an exclusive obsidian black metallic body finish or the special designo mystic white finish, which is limited to 300 vehicles worldwide. The obsidian black finish costs 580 Euros while the designo mystic white carries a 1,990 Euros price tag. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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Geneva 2009: KTM reveals the X-Bow ROC and X-Bow Superlight

March 6, 2009 at 10:28 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, KTM

Our favorite motorbike company turned sports car maker KTM arrived in Geneva with the X-Bow Superlight and the X-Bow ROC. The Superlight features motorsport-derived technologies such as a lightweight carbon composite monocoque that weighs only 90 kilograms, carbon crash box, inboard pushrod suspension and black body panels of visible carbon fiber. This range topping X-Bow also comes with limited-slip differential, lightweight lacquered alloys with a single central wheel nut and as well as a lap timer and more, all with a price tag of 79,980 Euros.

The Superlight features a 240HP 2.0 litre TFSI power plant from Audi, individually adjustable pedals, adjustable and removable multi-function steering wheel, ‘Keyless Go’ system, and of course a performance suspension, with adjustable compression and rebound rates, and with preload-adjuster.

The X-Bow ROC on the other hand is a limited edition model offered inline with the X-Bow’s recent involvement in the Race of Champions, where only 30 units will ever be produced. This exclusive model features weight-saving all-carbon body, sports exhaust which attracts special attention with its deep sound, specially painted light-weight alloy wheels with a central wheel nut, adjustable sports suspension, a removable multi-function steering wheel and lastly, exclusive ROC design on the body panels. This special edition model retails for 69,980 Euros. Continue reading to view an image gallery of both the KTM’s.
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Geneva 2009: Italdesign-Giugiaro Namir Hybrid Concept

March 6, 2009 at 10:06 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars

The radical, but not-too-bad looking concept you see above is a product of a collaboration between Italdesign Giugiaro and Frazer-Nash. The Namir, which stands for tiger in Arabic, is a hybrid sports car concept that features an 814 cc petrol-powered endothermic rotary engine with four electric motors which enable the concept to deliver 39 kilometers with just litre of fuel, and produces just 60 grams of harmful emissions per kilometer. It is said that the Namir Hybrid Concept is able to do a little more than 300 km/h, and accelerate from naught to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest hybrid in the world.

With a full tank of fuel (50 litres), the Namir can deliver a total of 2,000 kilometers in terms of driving range. Overall power output is rated at 370HP while energy created by the generator is stored in a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack. On the inside, you can find three touch screen monitors which are placed behind the hexagonal steering wheel. The central screen displays the speedometer, tachometer, and trip data, the one to the right hosts the GPS display, the audio controls, air conditioning, and relative controls while the one to the left displays technical information like battery charge level, fuel level, interior and exterior temperature, and warning messages.

Other functions like cruise control, exterior lights, windscreen wipers, and electric mirrors can all be activated by touch as well. Overall, the interior is finished in a combination of high grade leather and tweed, while the trunk space is figured at 400 litres.

On the outside, the 2-seater sports car with a total frame weight of 110 kilograms is treated to a sloping V-shaped relief of the central section, a V-shaped glass surface while the rear hood is characterized by highly angular lines that taper from the root towards the rear. Other exterior fitments includes Bi-Xenon head lights, LED lighting implemented in the direction indicators, the tail and rear stop lights and 20 inch OZ wheels. Safety system is made up by ABS, drive control as well as stability control. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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